So, you'd like to go fishing on Topsail Island. Where do you start? Let us help! First, we'd recommend that you read our previous post entitled Everything You Need to Know About Fishing on Topsail Island. Second, make sure you have your NC fishing license (unless you're pier fishing only; local fishing piers have a blanket license that covers their customers). Then try out a few of these helpful ideas on how to reel in the most fish while you're here. You're sure to have a lot of fish stories to tell and a delicious catch of the day to enjoy for dinner.
Stay close to the water.
It just makes sense that if you're going to be doing a lot of fishing, you'll want to stay as close to the water as you can. It's time saving and convenient. You have a lot of rental options that are well suited for a Topsail Island fishing vacation. Here are a few of the most popular accommodations for anglers.
- Oceanfront rentals make for easy access if you're going to be surf fishing.
- Soundfront rentals are also great options if you want to be close to the soundside waters of Topsail Island.
- Topsail rentals with a boat dock are a must if you're planning to bring your own boat.
- Map of Topsail Island vacation rentals is a helpful tool that lets you view rental properties by location, so if you want to be close to one of Topsail's three fishing piers, you can see what accommodations are nearby.
Ask a local angler.
If you're out and about on Topsail Island, strike up a conversation with a local fisherman. They know the ins and outs of the island and have hands-on experience with the local waters. Don't be afraid to ask a few questions and get some valuable insight from those who know the sport best. You never know what priceless advice and information they may pass on to you. Don't worry, Topsail Island locals are a friendly lot and happy to chat with you, unless they're busy reeling one in themselves, of course.
Looking for a good Topsail fishing resource online? We'd recommend the Fisherman's Post online, Carolina's saltwater newspaper. You can find Topsail area fishing reports here to see what's currently biting.
Visit a local bait and tackle shop, outfitter or fishing pier.
Topsail Island fishing establishments are a wealth of knowledge and information. The area bait and tackle shops, local outfitters and fishing piers are there to help you on your Topsail fishing adventures. They can guide you on what you need to have and to know for each and every type of fishing trip you have in mind from surf fishing and pier fishing to inshore fishing and offshore fishing.
You can find a list of Topsail fishing services, outfitters, as well as bait and tackle shops on our Topsail Island Shops and Services - Fishing Gear.
Know which fish are in season at the time of your visit.
Knowledge is power! Knowing which fish are running the local waters and how to best catch them is essential for a good day and a good catch. Every season of the year on Topsail Island is the perfect time to go fishing, so the odds are always in your favor. You just have to know what's out there and how to best reel them in.
Find out what's biting and when in North Carolina fishing with this breakdown of the best catches for each month of the year from the Division of Marine Fisheries.
Have the right equipment for the right type of fishing.
Once you know what's biting, it's time to get out there and drop your line. But first, prepare yourself with the best bait and tackle for the fish that are in season for coastal North Carolina and for the specific type of fishing you're doing. Your local bait and tackle shops and fishing outfitters can help you out with any questions you have or guidance on what equipment you may need.
Check out this Fishing Seasonality Chart from the Surf City Pier which also includes bait and tackle recommendations for quick and easy reference, and to get you headed in the right direction.
Try your hand at a Topsail area fishing tournament.
The more often you get out there; the more fish you'll catch. Join in the local fishing fun by signing up for a fishing tournament in the Topsail area. You'll be surrounded by those of like mind from novice to experienced, so you're guaranteed to learn a thing or two. You'll find surf and pier fishing tournaments, inshore tournament trails, kayak fishing tournaments, sportfishing tournaments and more.
Take a look at this Topsail area fishing tournament list and start making your plans to be here.
We'd also recommend taking the annual Saltwater Fishing School classes that are offered in nearby Wilmington, NC each February. They are incredibly valuable and informative offering hands-on learning from the best fishermen and captains in the area. They are specifically geared toward helping you catch more fish more often.
Isn't it time you planned your next Topsail Island fishing vacation? Book it now!
